The answer is to verify that the DLP policy is enabled and assigned to the outgoing mail policy. Even when a DLP policy is configured to 'Drop' for SSN matches, the Cisco ESA will not inspect messages against that dictionary unless the policy is explicitly linked to the mail policy governing outbound traffic; without this assignment, the filter remains inactive and emails pass through unexamined. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the policy hierarchy on the ESA, where a common trap is assuming that configuring a DLP dictionary rule alone is sufficient—candidates often overlook the critical step of policy assignment. The exam frequently presents this as a "Cisco ESA DLP policy not working" scenario, requiring you to pinpoint the missing assignment rather than misdiagnosing the dictionary or content filter settings. Memory tip: "No assignment, no enforcement"—a DLP rule without a mail policy link is like a lock without a door.
350-701 Content Security Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of content security. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
An administrator is configuring DLP on the Cisco ESA to block social security numbers (SSNs) in outgoing email. The policy is set to 'Drop' for SSN matches, but some emails containing SSNs are still being delivered. What step should the administrator take to troubleshoot?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Verify that the DLP policy is enabled and assigned to the outgoing mail policy.
The most likely reason SSNs are still being delivered is that the DLP policy is not actually applied to the outgoing mail policy. Even if the DLP policy is configured to 'Drop' for SSN matches, it will have no effect unless it is enabled and explicitly assigned to the mail policy that governs outbound messages. Without this assignment, the ESA will not inspect messages against the DLP dictionary, allowing SSNs to pass through.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Increase the message size limit in the mail flow policy.
Why it's wrong here
Size limits unrelated to DLP.
✓
Verify that the DLP policy is enabled and assigned to the outgoing mail policy.
Why this is correct
If not assigned, DLP rules won't apply.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Add additional SSN patterns to the DLP dictionary.
Why it's wrong here
The issue may not be detection but policy application.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between configuring a feature (e.g., creating a DLP policy) and actually applying it to a mail policy, leading candidates to overlook the assignment step and focus on unrelated settings like message size or encryption.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
On the Cisco ESA, DLP policies are configured under the 'Mail Policies > DLP' section and must be associated with an outgoing mail policy via the 'DLP Policy Assignment' tab. The ESA uses a layered approach: the mail flow policy handles envelope-level actions (e.g., size limits), while the DLP policy performs content inspection. If the DLP policy is not assigned, the ESA will not invoke the DLP engine, and messages will bypass all DLP rules regardless of the dictionary content.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Content Security — This question tests Content Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Verify that the DLP policy is enabled and assigned to the outgoing mail policy. — The most likely reason SSNs are still being delivered is that the DLP policy is not actually applied to the outgoing mail policy. Even if the DLP policy is configured to 'Drop' for SSN matches, it will have no effect unless it is enabled and explicitly assigned to the mail policy that governs outbound messages. Without this assignment, the ESA will not inspect messages against the DLP dictionary, allowing SSNs to pass through.
What should I do if I get this 350-701 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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